20 Solar Turbines Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviewing for a position at Solar Turbines, there are a few key questions that you can expect to be asked. These questions will help to assess your knowledge of the company, your skills in the industry, and your ability to perform in the role you’re applying for. Here are a few sample questions you may be asked in an interview for Solar Turbines.

Solar Turbines Interview Process

The interview process at Solar Turbines can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone interview and one in-person interview. The interviews are generally behavioral in nature, and the interviewer may ask you to use the STAR method to answer questions. Overall, the interview process is friendly but can be lengthy, so be prepared to wait a few weeks for a decision.

1. What do you know about Solar Turbines and our products?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of the company and its products. It’s important that you thoroughly research Solar Turbines before your interview, so you can confidently answer this question with specific details about the company and its products.

Example: “Solar Turbines has been in business since 1954, when it was founded by Dr. John B. Calhoun as an engineering firm. The company started manufacturing gas turbines in 1960, and today it produces some of the most efficient gas turbines on the market. I am familiar with all of the company’s product lines, including the GT Series Gas Turbine Generators, which are used in power plants around the world.”

2. Do you have experience working with gas turbines or similar machinery?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience and how it relates to the position. If you have no prior experience working with gas turbines, consider discussing other machinery that you’ve worked with in the past.

Example: “I do not have any direct experience working with gas turbines, however, I have extensive experience working with large-scale machinery. In my last role as an engineer at XYZ Company, I was responsible for designing and implementing machinery that could withstand high temperatures. This experience has given me valuable insight into what it takes to work with gas turbines.”

3. Why did you choose to study engineering?

This question is an opportunity to show your passion for engineering and the field of study. It’s also a chance to share any personal experiences that led you to pursue this career path.

Example: “I chose to study engineering because I have always been fascinated by how things work, especially machines. When I was younger, my dad would take me to his job at Caterpillar where he worked as a mechanic. He would let me help him with small tasks like tightening bolts or changing oil. This sparked my interest in mechanical engineering, so I decided to major in it when I went to college.”

4. How would you approach a problem where your solution was not the most cost effective option?

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions that are in the best interest of the company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example from a previous position where you had to make a decision that was not the most cost effective option but still benefited the company.

Example: “In my last role as a project manager for a solar energy company, I worked with Caterpillar Inc. on a large solar farm construction project. The client wanted to use our turbines because they were more efficient than other options, however, we also needed to consider the price point of the turbines when making our final decision. In this case, I decided to recommend using two different turbine models at each location within the solar farm. This allowed us to save money by purchasing less expensive turbines while still providing the efficiency the client required.”

5. Are you comfortable working in high-stress situations?

Solar Turbines is a fast-paced environment where employees are expected to work under pressure. The interviewer wants to know if you can handle the stress of working in this type of environment and how you will react when faced with it.

Example: “I am comfortable working in high-stress situations, as I have done so for most of my career. In fact, I thrive on being able to solve problems quickly and efficiently. I believe that having a positive attitude helps me perform better in stressful situations.”

6. Describe a time when you had to work on a team project for which you were not responsible for any of the deliverables.

This question is a great way to assess your ability to work on a team and how you contribute to the success of that team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific actions or contributions you made to the project.

Example: “In my last position as an engineer at Solar Turbines Incorporated, I was responsible for designing the gas turbine’s exhaust system. However, I also had to collaborate with other engineers who were working on different parts of the turbine. For example, one engineer was in charge of the fuel delivery system while another was in charge of the cooling system.

I found that by communicating with these other engineers regularly, we were able to complete our projects more efficiently than if we worked alone. This allowed us to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality products to our clients.”

7. If hired, what would be your first priorities at Solar Turbines?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have done your research on the company and are prepared for this interview. When answering, it can be helpful to mention one or two of Solar Turbines’ most recent projects or initiatives.

Example: “If I were hired as an engineer at Solar Turbines, my first priority would be to learn more about the company’s current products and services. I am very interested in renewable energy sources, so I would also want to understand how the company uses its gas turbines to generate power from solar energy. Another priority would be to get to know my coworkers and build relationships with them. I believe teamwork is essential to success in any organization.”

8. Tell us why you want to work at Solar Turbines.

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in working at Solar Turbines. It’s also an opportunity for you to show that you have done some research on the company and its products.

Example: “I am interested in working at Solar Turbines because of the innovative work you do with gas turbines. I believe my background in mechanical engineering would be a good fit for this position, as it requires someone who can design and build complex machinery. I am excited to join a team of engineers who are passionate about their work and committed to producing high-quality products.”

9. Which areas of engineering are you interested in?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have an interest in their company and its products. It also gives them insight into your personality, as it shows what types of things you are passionate about. When answering this question, try to pick something from Caterpillar’s website or list one of the areas they specialize in.

Example: “I am very interested in renewable energy sources, which is why I chose to apply for this position. I see Caterpillar Turbines as a leader in this field, so I would love to work here. I was impressed by the amount of research and development that goes into each product. I think I could be a valuable asset to the team.”

10. What is your experience with designing mechanical components?

This question is a great way to gauge your experience with mechanical design and how it relates to the job. If you have previous experience, explain what you did in that role. If you don’t have any experience, talk about your interest in mechanical engineering and why you would be a good fit for this position.

Example: “In my last position as an engineer at Solar Turbines Incorporated, I was responsible for designing several components of gas turbines. One of these projects included redesigning the turbine blades on one of our products. This project required me to work closely with other engineers to ensure we were all working toward the same goal. We had to consider many factors when redesigning the blades, including weight, durability and cost. After completing the project, I learned more about the importance of collaboration in the workplace.”

11. What do you think would be some challenges of being an engineer?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are aware of the challenges of being an engineer and how you would overcome them. You can use this opportunity to discuss any personal traits or skills that will help you succeed in engineering.

Example: “I think one of the biggest challenges of being an engineer is having to work with tight deadlines. I have always been good at managing my time, so I am confident that I could meet all project deadlines while still producing high-quality work. Another challenge I see as an engineer is working with other engineers who may not be as experienced as me. I am very open to feedback and collaboration, which I believe will help me learn from others and improve my own work.”

12. We are looking for employees who can manage their own time effectively. Do you consider yourself someone who can handle multiple projects at once?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to multitask and prioritize. You can use examples from previous jobs or school projects that demonstrate your time management skills.

Example: “I have experience managing multiple projects at once, especially when I was in college. In my senior year, I had a full-time job as well as classes, which required me to manage my own schedule. I would always make sure to plan out my week ahead of time so I could stay on top of all my assignments and work commitments.”

13. Working as an engineer often means having to make decisions based on very little information. How do you feel about that?

This question is an opportunity for the interviewer to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions. Your answer should show that you are confident in your abilities as a decision maker, but also highlight how you would gather information before making a final call.

Example: “I feel comfortable with having to make decisions based on very little information because I have been doing it throughout my career. In fact, this has helped me develop my critical thinking skills and learn how to ask the right questions when gathering more information.”

14. What motivates you to come into work everyday?

Solar Turbines is a global company that offers many opportunities for growth and development. The interviewer wants to know if you are motivated by the opportunity to advance your career, or if you’re more interested in working with a specific team or project.

Example: “I am passionate about renewable energy and I want to be part of the solution to climate change. Solar Turbines has an excellent reputation as a leader in this industry, and I would love to work here because it gives me the chance to make a real difference in the world.”

15. What do you think makes for a successful engineering project?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your engineering skills and how you approach projects. Use examples from past experiences to explain what makes for a successful project, including communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Example: “I think that a successful engineering project is one where everyone involved understands their role and works together to solve problems as they arise. I also believe it’s important to have an open line of communication with all team members so we can share ideas and feedback on our progress. Finally, I think it’s essential to be flexible when working on a project because things rarely go exactly as planned.”

16. Can you tell me about a situation where you worked under pressure and deadlines?

This question is a great way to assess your ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the situation in detail and explain how you overcame any challenges or obstacles that may have arisen during the project.

Example: “In my previous role as an engineer at Solar Turbines Incorporated, I was tasked with designing a new solar turbine for our client, who needed a more efficient model than what we were currently producing. The deadline for this project was tight, so I worked overtime to ensure that all of the specifications were met by the due date. In the end, I delivered the new design on time, which helped our company win the contract from our client.”

17. In this role, we will require frequent communication between different teams. How well do you communicate with others?

This question is designed to assess your communication skills and how you interact with others. It’s important that employees in this role are able to communicate effectively, both verbally and written, as well as work well with a team.

Example: “I have excellent verbal and written communication skills, which I developed through my previous job where I was responsible for communicating information between different departments. In addition, I am highly organized and detail-oriented, so I always make sure to include all relevant information when sending emails or making phone calls.”

18. At times there may be conflict between engineers due to differing opinions. Have you ever been in a situation like this before? How did you handle it?

This question is designed to assess your conflict resolution skills. It’s important that you show the interviewer that you can resolve conflicts in a professional manner and without damaging relationships with coworkers.

Example: “I have been in situations where I disagreed with my team, but I always try to remain respectful of their opinions while also expressing my own. In these situations, I will often ask for more information about why they feel the way they do so that I can better understand their perspective. This helps me formulate an answer that addresses their concerns while still supporting my original idea.”

19. Have you ever done anything outside of your job description?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s personality and how they approach their work. It can also help you determine if they are willing to take on new challenges or responsibilities. When answering this question, it can be helpful to share an example of something you did that helped your team or company in some way.

Example: “At my last job, I noticed we were running low on supplies for our machines. I asked my supervisor if there was anything I could do to help, and she told me she needed someone to run to the supply store to pick up more parts. I volunteered to go, and when I got back with the supplies, I learned that I had saved the company $500 by finding a sale online. My willingness to help out led to a cost savings for the company, which ultimately benefited everyone.”

20. You will sometimes need to travel for business trips related to your position. Are you willing to travel if necessary?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your willingness to travel and how you will handle it. You should answer this question honestly, but also show that you are willing to do what’s necessary to succeed in your career.

Example: “I am happy to travel if needed. I understand that sometimes business trips are required, so I am prepared to go where I need to go as long as my family can come with me. I have experience traveling for work before, so I know how to pack efficiently and get ready for any situation.”